AboutJohn Izzo Expertise I can help answer any questions related to muscle development, muscle activation, fat loss, core strength, balance, spinal stability, warm-up, and proper exercise progression and execution. Most answers can be found on my website: www.standAPARTfitness.com
Please do not ask for a specific workout plan. In this field, I need to SEE you and evaluate your current physical capabilities. Answering such questions without assessing your needs and goals through a consultation would be irresponsible of me. Please be clear and concise in your questions. The more info you can give me, the more specific info I can provide.
Experience John is certified as a personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), National Endurance Sports Trainer Association (NESTA), and the American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA). He has helped countless clients lose fat, build muscle, and improve their performance through his exercise programming and potent motivational techniques. Most of all, John continues to further his knowledge by staying abreast on fitness trends and research by attending continuing education seminars and interacting with some of the brightest minds in the business.
John's articles have been featured in Fitness Management publication, www.PTontheNet.com, www.EzineArticles.com, www.WannaBeBig.com, www.StrengthCoach.com, and www.standAPARTfitness.com.
Expert: John Izzo Date: 5/12/2008 Subject: Am I overworking?
Question Hi John
I have just joined you as a member. I am glad to finally find someone who is willing to help people without asking for anything.
John, I have recently started going to a gym (around a month back). I try and go there everyday without break, but still I have had 2 breaks of 2 days & 4 days respectively.
On each day I go to the gym, I do around 6 sets of flat bench press, 4 sets of barbell curls, 4 sets of lats pull-down, and 3 sets of ab exercise. I keep no variation and go through the same routine everyday.
I have a sleep of around 9 hours everyday, and have so far not felt any pain or fatigue in any part of my body. Also, I have successfully been able to increase the weights for each exercise in the period.
Some people suggest that by doing the same exercises everyday, and by doing it without any breaks, I am overworking my muscles.
Do you think the same way? Please suggest.
Rajandeep Singh
Answer Thanks for your question and kind remarks. Couple of things I don't know...how long have you been weight-training? Are you relatively new to it? If you are, I am not surprised you are making initial gains. I think you will continue to make gains for another 1-3 months. However, the advice you have been hearing is somewhat correct. You will be over-training the same muscles, patterns, and stresses if you continue the same regimen. I think for now, you can get away with it, but as your knowledge of other exercises grow, you should include other movements into your program. Also, make sure you are eating sufficient calories and protein daily to support your muscle growth. It sounds like your sleep is adequate, but you really need to watch for signs of over-training in 1-3 months:
sleep restlessness
low energy
loss of muscle gains
pain
acute weakness
low motivation
